Richard Harding (forger)

Richard Harding was a British forger who operated primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Harding specialized in creating convincing forgeries of rare books and documents, particularly those associated with famous literary figures. His skill lay in replicating not just the text but also the physical characteristics of the originals, including paper age, ink composition, and binding style.

Harding's forgeries often targeted institutions and private collectors, and his work proved difficult to detect for a considerable period. He employed a variety of techniques, including chemically aging paper and expertly imitating handwriting. His activities caused significant disruption in the rare book market, leading to increased scrutiny and authentication efforts.

Harding was eventually apprehended and convicted of forgery-related charges. The precise extent of his fraudulent activity remains difficult to determine, as many forgeries may still be circulating undetected. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of the rare book trade and the sophistication of modern forgery techniques.